Loken Defends More Marathon Title
Event Celebrates Women's Achievements and Camaraderie
From NYRR

NEW YORK - (March 26, 2006) - Sunday dawned damp and chilly in Central Park. Only a few daffodils were open, the grass wasn't green and the grays and browns of trees predominated. But on this morning, a stream of bright color flowed through the dull landscape: Close to 4,000 runners and walkers, all women, most age 40 or over, were taking part in the third annual More Marathon. Their red, yellow, purple, pink and blue running jackets were brilliant amidst the damp tree trunks and asphalt paths. The runners' spirits shone brightly, too.

"The atmosphere is so relaxed and everyone is having so much fun," said More Marathon spokeswoman Grete Waitz, one of the most decorated athletes in running history.

If the colors didn't tell you this was a race for women-only, the racers' demeanor did. "They never stop talking!" Waitz exclaimed.

There was a reason for that: The More Marathon is actually two races: a full 26.2-mile marathon open only to women age 40 and over, and a half-marathon, featuring teams of two women, one of whom must be at least 40. Thanks to this unique feature, many of the runners were concerned with not only their own performances, but those of their fellow participants as well.

In many cases competitors didn't have to look far to find someone with a t-shirt or jacket just like their own. A number of women traveled to New York with a training group or running club, such as the 90 members of Michigan's Team Playmaker - a team that's entered close to 100 women in each of the three editions of this race. Twenty Mercury Masters suited up for the half-marathon; this New-York based group comprises women over age 50 who have, among them, competed in 200 marathons worldwide. The More Marathon is near and dear: "This race gives us an opportunity to run with like-minded women," said Ilene Kent.

Often, the teammate was a mother, sister, aunt or niece. Mary Ehmann, age 43, partnered with her 14-year-old daughter, Emily, and won the 52-59 age group. "Hey, catch up to Mom!" yelled brother Paul as he, another brother, Peter, and their father, cheered from the sidelines on East Drive.

Though there was a sprinkling of young women took part, it was a day for the wiser, older version of the sex. "It's invigorating to know that women our age can do it all," said Janet Beal, 50, a half-marathon competitor who started running a year ago. Seventy-three-year-old Jeanette Cyr was entered in the 13.1-mile event; she has 59 marathons under her belt and was using this race as a bellwether for her 2006 Boston Marathon effort.

Aging well is a theme that More magazine and these competitors embrace. "Running used to be the center of our universe," said a runner who came from Binghamton, New York, with her training group.

"Now we're over 40 and our times are getting slower, but it doesn't matter." Peggy Jewitt, 48, agrees. "The age thing takes some pressure off," she said.

Still, this is Central Park, and running multiple loops over the undulating terrain is not your average Sunday stroll. Plenty of runners had finish-time goals and worked hard to achieve them.

"Those inclines were pretty bad, especially between miles 24 and 25," said Jewitt, who was celebrating her birthday, and finished sixth in 3:28:46, while Susan Loken of Phoenix, Ariz. defended her More Marathon title in 2:50:01.

Waitz and another running legend, Lynn Jennings, watched as walkers, runners, half-marathoners, marathoners, first-timers and veterans merged into a colorful parade of accomplished, athletic women. "Just think if you were a woman in petticoats and corsets who traveled forward in time and saw these women," Jennings mused. "You'd feel like you were on a different planet!" The More Marathon is a powerful reminder that this kind of race can take place in our time, on our planet.

3rd More Marathon
New York, NY, Sunday, March 26, 2006

1) Susan Loken, 42, AZ, 2:50:01
2) Doreen McCoubrie, 44, PA, 2:52:31
3) Stephanie Hodge, 40, NY, 2:57:33

For full marathon and half-marathon results, go to: NYRR.org

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Etonic, Road Runner Akron Marathon Partner to Give Runners Free Shoes
Giveaway signals Etonics "return" to the sport

AKRON, Ohio - (March 23, 2006) - Athletic shoe manufacturer Etonic has jumped back into the running shoe market with both feet landing in Akron. In a first-of-its-kind partnership, Etonic Worldwide of Waltham, Mass., has inked a deal with the Road Runner Akron Marathon to provide a free pair of shoes to all runners who finish the marathon on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2006.

Jim Barnett, executive race director of the Road Runner Akron Marathon, said a premium such as the Etonic shoes not only validates the Akron race with world-class runners who have participated, but also will keep the event on the radar screen of running enthusiasts worldwide.

"Our marathon is the first race where marathon finishers will take home a free pair of shoes along with the hats, t-shirts and various running supplies that are customarily in runners' goodie bags," he said. "We're trying to create an overwhelming incentive for runners to be in our event because, once we get them, we know we'll keep them for a long time. We hope this becomes a long-term partnership with Etonic."

Running experts say the premium is unheard of in any other marathon.

"I have not heard of anything like this, where every finisher in a marathon receives a pair of shoes. It's a novel, innovative idea," said Ryan Lamppa, spokesman for Running USA, the national industry organization. "The shoe give-away should boost the percentage of finishers."

Pete Woodward, Etonic's coordinator of walking and running, said the company's reasoning for becoming involved in this particular event is two-fold: To be among the first major shoe companies to reach a talented pool of runners, and to re-introduce its line of running shoes after a brief period of being out of the running shoe market.

"Our slogan phrase is 'First one there.' Etonic is the first one there to do this type of thing," Woodward said. "We're doing this just to get our product out to a solid group of runners that obviously are quality runners, to create a relationship with that city as well as that area of the country, and we're trying to increase awareness of our products and technology."

Etonic executives say this event will serve as a welcome back party of sorts for Etonic's running and walking shoe business, which was licensed from 2000-05 by former owner Spalding Sports Worldwide to Kinetic Sports. Spalding, which is known worldwide for producing professional athletic equipment, jettisoned the running and walking shoe division because it did not have the expertise and background in athletic shoes, said Etonic spokesperson Karen Pitts.

"We have had a great heritage in the running shoe category since the late 1960s," Pitts said. "We are very excited to be back."

A $75 Etonic coupon will be made available to all marathon runners who cross the finish line. The coupon can be exchanged for a variety of new shoes or applied towards the purchase of more expensive Etonic shoes.

"The shoe give-away is a sign that the Road Runner Akron Marathon is living up to its name as one of the 50 great U.S. Marathons," said Steve Marks, founder of the Road Runner Akron Marathon. "Runners can truly appreciate what the value is for this. If you look at what you get for being in our event, for what you pay, you've run the race for free."

Close to 1,000 marathon runners participated in the Road Runner Akron Marathon last year.

Registration deadlines for this year's race are midnight Wednesday, Sept. 27 online, and between 11:00am and 9:00pm Friday, Sept. 29 at the official marathon Expo, held at the University of Akron's new Athletics Field House. Discount registrations are available online and by mail if postmarked before Sept. 19.

Additional information on the Road Runner Akron Marathon and Team Relays is available at AkronMarathon.org or by calling (330) 375-2786 (2RUN).

The marathon is organized by the Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation, a nonprofit group that is dedicated to promoting health and fitness

Contact: Jim Barnett, (330) 657-2224 or jbk1@mac.com

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Marine Corps Marathon Thanks Active Duty Military with Registration Special
Limited time offer includes discounted registration fee and early entry beginning April 1

QUANTICO, Va. - (March 23, 2006) - Nearly six weeks before registration for the 31st Marine Corps Marathon opens to the general public, active duty military personnel (foreign and domestic) will be invited to log on to MarineMarathon.com for a special discounted entry, the MCM has announced.

Active duty armed forces members can download the special Military Discount application on MarineMarathon.com beginning April 1. By printing the form, filling it out completely and submitting a photocopy of their active duty military ID card, servicemen and women are eligible for a $75 entry fee, more than $10 off the regular registration fee. Packages with payment should be submitted postmarked by May 16 to Marine Corps Marathon, Attn: Military Registration, PO Box 188, Quantico, VA 22134 or faxed to (703) 784-2265. Entries without payment and/or proof of active duty will not be accepted.

"MCM would not be possible without the tireless help and support of active duty Marines and Sailors each year," said Rick Nealis, MCM Race Director. "To thank them for their efforts and honor all those active duty military members proudly serving their country, the MCM is happy to offer an early and discounted registration into 'The People's Marathon'."

Military personnel will be sent an email confirming receipt and processing of their registration. Be sure to keep the confirmation number contained in the email, as this will be needed to retrieve confirmation e-card in September, required for Packet Pick-up located at the DC Armory, October 27-28 from 9:00am to 7:00pm.

Voted "Best Marathon for Families" by HerSports Magazine, the Marine Corps Marathon continues a combined tradition of dedication, sportsmanship and patriotism. Since its inception, over 300,000 civilian and military runners from all walks of life have participated, deservingly earning the event its nickname "The People's Marathon." The 31st Marine Corps Marathon will be held on Sunday, October 29, 2006. Rolling Registration opens on Wednesday, May 17, 2006 at noon EST. Visit MarineMarathon.com for more information.

For media information, contact Beth Cline, Marine Corps Marathon Public Relations Coordinator at (703) 432-1165, or Elizabeth.Cline@usmc.mil

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Blue Oyster Cult to Headlines LaSalle Bank Columbus Distance Classic Post-Race Concert

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Blue Oyster Cult, 70s and 80s rockers, will headline the inaugural LaSalle Bank Columbus Distance Classic post-race concert on Saturday night, April 1 at the Lifestyle Communities Pavilion. All race participants will get in free with their bib number and all volunteers will also get in free.

Originating from Long Island, New York in the 60s, Blue Oyster Cult went thru three name changes in three years, recording under such names as Soft White Underbelly, Stalk-Forrest Group and then finally Blue Oyster Cult. The band's name comes from the famous Long Island Blue Point Oysters. The Cult, Columbia Recording artists, found fame with two hit singles, "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" in 1976, and the 1981 classic hit "Burnin' for You." As one of the first psychedelic/heavy metal bands, Blue Oyster Cult helped create a new sound in music, which spread rapidly from that point on. The band has released new music, and is touring to spread their new music around the world.

The opening act will start at 8:00pm, the Awards Ceremony will be at 9:00pm and BOC starts at 9:30pm. Additional tickets are only $20 and are available at both the LC and the Fleet Feet Columbus Health and Fitness Expo. Concert tickets are available at all Ticketmaster locations and online at TicketMaster.com.

The 2006 LaSalle Bank Columbus Distance Classic and Commit to Be Fit 5K takes place Saturday, April 1 at the Lifestyle Communities Pavilion (formerly Promowest). The Capital Kids Mascot Chase will take place at 8:30am, the half-marathon will begin at 9:00am and the Commit to Be Fit 5K will start at 9:10am.

For more information, visit the race website at: CapitalCityHalfMarathon.com

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Contact: Roxana Hoveyda, (202) 685-3361; roxana.hoveyda@fmmc.army.mil

Army Ten-Miler Announces New Online Service Provider

WASHINGTON, DC - The Army Ten-Miler has selected New York based MarathonGuide.com to provide website and online registration services for its 22nd annual 10 mile race in Washington, DC. The transition for America's largest 10 mile road race is expected to be seamless and offer streamlined programming and registration services to race participants. A new website, targeted to roll out on April 3, 2006, will introduce an updated look, easier navigation and new features of interest to runners.

"We anticipate runners will be pleased with the new features and improvements that we are making to our website, registration and team management," remarked Jim Vandak, Race Director.

Teams can look forward to an updated Team Tools function to make it easier for captains to register teams, manage team rosters, and make team changes. Another improvement will feature a new online volunteer registration tool. Volunteers can now register for a specific volunteer activity and shift. Volunteer team leaders will also have the ability to manage their volunteer group online.

John Elliot, founder of MarathonGuide.com commented, "The Army Ten-Miler is one of the leading running events in the USA and MarathonGuide.com is one of the leading website and registration providers. We look forward to working together to bring the Army Ten-Miler's online presence, registration and customer service to a new level."

MarathonGuide.com / Web Marketing Associates operates one of the largest running portals on the internet and provides website development services, online registration, eCommerce and related business services to running events and non-running events across the USA.

The 22nd Army Ten-Miler takes place on Sunday, October 8. This annual Army tradition is expected to attract Army Leadership and over 24,000 runners and 700 teams from around the world. Starting and ending at the Pentagon the scenic course passes such national landmarks as the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument and the Capitol. Race weekend activities include a two-day race Expo, clinics and a press conference. Race day features Youth Runs, a Post Race Party featuring bands, entertainment and a live broadcast, the HOOAH Tent Zone, and a Youth Activity Zone complete with displays, inflatables, the GEICO Gecko, McGruff the Crime Dog and much more. For more information on DC's premier running event, visit: ArmyTenMiler.com

Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Director

(805) 696-6232
Ryan@RunningUSA.org

RunningUSA.org